Chiefs Plan To Use Dexter McCluster At Both RB & WR

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel mentioned that they’re still planning to give Dexter McCluster some work at running back, despite the fact that he’s been lining up as their first-team slot receiver during OTAs.

“We’ve given Dexter reps at the wide receiver position in this new offense because we feel like he knows how to play running back and we can put him over at running back at any point in time, but we felt like he needed the work at wide receiver,” said Crennel, via KCChiefs.com. “Probably what that will do is open it up for us to be able to use him however and whenever. We need him at whatever position. He’s taken to it really well. He’s been enthusiastic about it, so that is working out pretty well for us.”

The Chiefs have been struggling to find the best way to utilize his talent in their offense. He obviously can’t be effective as a traditional running back, so it makes sense to get him some work at receiver as well. It will be interesting to see if they can make it work this time around.

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Kansas City Chiefs running back Dexter McCluster worked exclusively with the wide receivers during the Chief’s OTA practice on Monday, the Kansas City Star reports.

They tried to turn McCluster into a slot receiver in his rookie season in 2010, but was moved back to RB in 2011 and had 114 carries for 516 yards (averaging 4.5 yards per carry) and zero touchdowns.

McCluster was first in line on punt returns at practice too, joined by such names as Javier Arenas, Steve Breaston and Devon Wylie. Punt returns may be McCluster’s key to a spot on the roster in 2012.

Liked McCluster coming out of college and think he is a servicable back. I think Kansas City just isn’t the right place for him. That backfield is too crowded with Hillis and Charles. Would like to see what he could do in a place like NYJ behind Greene. Hope the move to slot works out though.